Relactation update....

Maddie&EthansMom wrote: First I want to thank all of you for your encouraging words. You are so special to me and it means a lot to have your support.

Like I said I also have such great support from DH and that helps a lot. I seem to get discouraged easily (especially at such a daunting task). However, I know it is possible so that is helpful as well.

I prayed about it this morning and I thought you know, it doesn't have to be so hard and take so much thought. This is simply the best thing for my baby. Women have done it before me and I have faith that it can be done. We really don't have the money to rent a pump and I didn't know how I could do this successfully without one (main reason for prayers). I took Maddie to school this morning and we always walk in with her little friend and her mother (a good friend of mine). This morning I told her that I would be relactating (she is currently nursing her 15 month old son so I knew she would be supportive). She asked me if I had a pump and when I told her that it is at my mother's house she insisted I borrow her PIS. She is very excited for me, too.

Just thought I would share my good news. It is meant to be, I guess. Especially since he is latching on. I will get the pump from her this afternoon and keep you all posted from there.

Thanks again!

3_call_me_mama replied: Wonderful! Hopefully it will all work out! Good Luck to you!

Kirstenmumof3 replied: WOOHOO! THAT'S WONDERFUL NEWS AIMEE! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

DansMom replied: That is so amazing---your commitment will pay off, I know it. It's great to have such a supportive friend nearby too!

coasterqueen replied: Aimee,

That is great news. I don't want to burst the greatness here but I want you to be aware of the risks of borrowing "open" system pumps like the one you have been offered. They are not considered safe for more than one person usage...so know that there are risks involved and diseases can be passed..even scalding/boiling parts, getting new parts, etc. I will try to find the article on this subject. My lactaction consultant and many others will NOT recommend doing this and I know Paula on the IV breastfeeding board would not recomend this either.

That being said I borrowed my SIL's but I know her health history and what is at stake. The UNFORTUNATE part is she told me she bought it brand new and I found out MONTHS later that she actually bought it from a co-worker. I have no idea what that co-worker's health history is. I just pray every day that something doesn't "come up" for Kylie's sake.

((HUGS))

Here's a good link that describes the dangers. Again I don't mean to offend you but I feel as a mother I need to make you aware of the risks. If you choose to use her pump that doesn't make you a bad mother...just know her health history that's all. ((HUGS)) Risks of using "OPEN" system breastpumps

Kaitlin'smom replied: Oh Amiee thats great, I am so glad you have a great support system. Thanks for the update, I am hear fro you as well as lots of other people. you are a great mommy keep up the good work

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Karen
I would like the info on that. I had no idea. Actually my old one was bought from a friend I've known since birth so that really was no big deal.

I do know this lady very well and I feel very comfortable with this situation. I'm positive she doesn't have some type of illness that Ethan would contract through the breast pump. She even offered me her frozen breastmilk to give Ethan. Of course I won't take it. I do have some frozen of my own so that will help. I have the new parts/attachments for the PIS as well.

Please still get me that information, though. It doesn't hurt to read up on these things.

Thanks!

amynicole21 replied: Hooray!! I borrowed a PIS from my friend and got all new parts... I recommend you do the same. The LC at your hospital should have access to some, but if not you can buy them at Kmart sometimes... there is a $20 box that Medela sells that is for their hand pumps but it can be used for the PIS. Good luck!!

coasterqueen replied: Aimee,

I put the link to the article up in my previous post for you to read. Hope it's informative for you. I'm glad you trust this woman, that makes it better.

BTW, I do recommend buying all the new parts as well, but like the article says organisms do get up in the motor, and other areas that are not replaced by the new "pumping kit". So just beware of that. People often think just replacing the "pumping kit" parts makes it safe but it doesn't.

You can also find the "pumping kit" replacement at Babies R Us and I'm not sure if you can get it at Target or not. Sometimes you can get it through the hospital and have it written off with your insurance which is what I did.

5littleladies replied: I'm so glad things are working out for you! I hope it all goes well. I'll be praying for you!

MomToMany replied: Good luck Aimee! It sounds like your prayers are being answered. I hope the pump situation works out too!

Bless little Ethan for having such a dedicated Mommy!!

kimberley replied: i am so happy things are going well. the power of prayer is strong i am glad DH is so supportive. you really should be proud of your efforts